Actually speed has a purpose: which is to maximize time at the destination and especially to gain fishing time, but there is also more to it than just that. I actually do very much take in the surroundings and enjoy them while hiking; the hike is not a means to an end. When I was a kid I was suffering so much trying to keep up with my dad my eyes were focused on the ground. When I could relax and lead (ie when I "crossed over" with my dad was I was 20 and he was 51) I really began to enjoy the surroundings, and now, even when getting thrashed my Lee I take it in, even if I'm hurting. My life's philosophy is to enjoy the ride and not live only for the goals. Goal oriented people always set another goal when they reach said goal, so if you don't enjoy getting there then you come to the end of the line, it might seem that childhood seemed like yesterday. I know a lot of folks like that. So, just as I enjoy the path of research leading to publishing a paper (more than actually getting the paper in print) I enjoy the hike and even the drive to the trailhead. But I also enjoy going fast, as long as it doesn't hurt too much. Maintaining a reasonably youthful athleticism is also good for my feeling of self worth/identity and the like. I'm far from a world class athlete, but in my mind I'd like to live up to the words of one of my favorite poems, "To Satch" by Samuel Washington Allen, although I suppose my metaphoric "three strikes burning down the heavens" may be research papers written at an advanced age instead of fast hikes.Gogd wrote: ↑Wed Sep 28, 2022 5:48 pmRush rush rush; what's all the hurry for?cgundersen wrote: ↑Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:50 am I know this is going to sound like an evasive excuse for slow travel, but one "advantage" of traveling more-slowly (and not being fixated on the destination) is that one discovers environmental features that may have been a blur in past eras.
More and more people seem to be time fixated, and cramming as many miles as possible in to the time they allocate for their trip. They vacation to relieve stress, only to make it integral to their itinerary.
PS did weighted (not too heavy) stairwell reps yesterday and it seemed to give me more bounce in my step when I shot jump shots today. Yes shooting hoops is NOT a good training exercise for someone north of 60, but I do have a hoop addiction problem.